Pacific Patrol Boat bids received
Australia has received bids from five contenders for its programme to build and donate patrol boats to 13 neighbouring South Pacific countries.
Under the $436 million (AU$594 million) Pacific Maritime Security Programme, also known as Project SEA 3036 Phase 1, Australia will build up to 21 steel-hulled patrol boats to replace 22 Pacific-class craft built from 1985-97. Life sustainment and personnel costs for the programme over the next 30 years are estimated at $990 million.
The new 40m optionally armed craft will be used primarily for maritime surveillance, fisheries protection and securing extensive exclusive economic zones. They will
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